A Florida school bus driver, Yvonne Hampton, 67, faces 29 child neglect charges after her bus was clipped by a train while carrying nearly 30 children and two adults on Thursday. No injuries were reported, but the incident sparked outrage after video footage captured terrified screams from students as the train passed dangerously close.
Hampton, who has worked for the Sumter County School District for over a decade, was arrested after allegedly ignoring warning lights and lowered guardrails at a railroad crossing. Police reviewed video evidence showing the bus crossing the tracks despite active warnings, contradicting Hampton’s claim that the lights activated only after she began crossing.
Sumter County Superintendent Logan Brown released a statement emphasizing the severity of the incident, noting that the bus was only six inches away from a catastrophic collision. Hampton was terminated from her position, and her bond was set at $30,000.
Key Details and Context
Incident and Charges
The bus was transporting students when it was clipped by a CSX train at the intersection of Central Avenue and N Market Street in Bushnell. Video footage obtained by authorities reportedly includes Hampton saying, 'not gonna stop for no train.' She later told detectives she was already on the tracks when the warning lights activated, but video evidence disputes this.
Hampton was charged with 29 counts of child neglect and reckless driving. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, and the school district confirmed no injuries were sustained.
Official Responses
Superintendent Brown stated in a Facebook video that the district takes student safety seriously and that anyone jeopardizing that trust 'will not work in the Sumter County School District.' The incident has prompted discussions about safety protocols for school bus drivers, particularly at railroad crossings.
Broader Implications
The case has raised questions about driver training and enforcement of safety measures in school transportation. While no injuries occurred, the near-miss has been described as a 'sobering reminder' of the potential dangers of disregarding railroad warnings. The district has not yet announced additional safety measures in response to the incident.